The 1933 National Air Races collection consists of photographs and sales/marketing materials from the July 1st - 4th event held at the Los Angeles Municipal Airport. Specifically included are 41 loose photographs, loose marketing materials, and one advertisers packet with additional sales materials from the 1933 event as well as photographs from previous air races.

The National Air Races, also known as the Pulitzer Trophy Races, were a series of pylon and speed races dating back to 1920. The event entertained thousands of aeronautical enthusiasts and served as a testing ground for the aviation industry. The purpose of these races was to demonstrate one's aviation skills, as well as aircraft reliability and speed. The event included cross-country races, short races, army and navy maneuvers, stunt flying, landing contests, glider demonstrations, airship flights, and parachute jumping contests. Two of the most popular events were the Thompson and Bendix Trophy Races. From 1929 to 1939, the majority of the races were held in Cleveland, Ohio, however other cities such as Spokane, Chicago, and Los Angeles also served as hosts. The races ceased from 1940 to 1945 due to resources being needed to support the war effort (World War II). In 1946, the Aircraft Industrial Association brought the races to Los Angeles and Cleveland to showcase aeronautical advances made during the war. The deaths of race participants and some civilians as well as participation cuts from the Defense Department brought an end to an era, halting the races from 1952 to 1963. However, in 1964, the races picked up once again, this time as the Cleveland Air Show, an annual Labor Day event attracting thousands of visitors and participants from across the world.

0.2 Linear Feet (1 box)

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